Category: Blog

Think of who you are and where you come from. Now, think about how you got here. Who helped you along the way?

All of us have someone. I certainly do. That person, or persons, who marked a defining part of our life. They made a mark or impression on you that forever changed who you were as a person and your outlook on life.

Be that person…

Those you lead are looking for their someone, knowingly or unknowingly, to mark their journey. Be available. Be honest. Be approachable. BE that influencer.

As a manager, I look back at some of the greatest employees I have ever had, and they all share one common attribute…

Initiative.

There is no better feeling as a manager. When you look up and your employees are moving in beautiful harmony. Everyone working together and individually to achieve our goals. Everyone taking the initiative. Taking ownership of their projects and goals. Using the tools I’ve given them, the skills they’ve learned, and the confidence we’ve grown in each other to make this branch thrive.

I have this right now. My employees all have a strong initiative gene. Not all of them came in that way, but we got there. They now lean on me for motivation, confidence boosters and support, rather than operational and procedural tasks. Yes, from time to time, I have to go there. But on a realistic level, I’m a motivator. I’m a manager that keeps us on the right path. They’re the ones powering this beast of an office engine.

I’m not fooled though. I know it won’t last forever. They will move on, as they SHOULD! And that’s ok. This was our goal. To better ourselves and our careers. These are the employees that I dreamed of having. The ones who grew. The ones who allowed me to help them grow and promote.